Three Natural Ways To Keep Termites Away From Your Home During Autumn
The temperature is cooling, summer is over, and the chill of winter is not too far away. You have already turned your mind to getting firewood ordered and delivered to your new home. But, before you do so, you need to make sure termites don't take up residence at your property during autumn. Not sure what your autumn chore list, firewood and termites have in common? This article is about to enlighten you.
Termites love wood
The best source of food for termites is cellulose. The dead tree which has been cut up to make firewood logs for your fireplace is filled with cellulose. Therefore, termites are attracted to your firewood pile because they need the nutrients in the cellulose to survive.
Obviously, you don't want to live without your fireplace this winter, but where you store the wood makes a difference as to whether termites get into your home. Don't stack the firewood up next to your house foundation because after the termites reach it, then the next step is your house frame. Instead, stack your firewood as far from the house as you can. Just be sure not to stack it next to any other outside buildings or fences; a standalone firewood pile is best.
Once you have sorted where the firewood is going, you need to identify other wood cellulose sources.
Get rid of dead trees
Summer storms cause trees to fall, so these need removal from the property. If the tree has gone yet the stump remains, then this stump is another cellulose source for termites. Hire a tree professional to grind or dig up the stump to get rid of this food source once and for all.
After you have removed the food source, you also need to remove their drinking water.
Get rid of water sources
All creatures need water to survive, and the termite is no exception to this rule. There are a number of water sources you need to be taking care of now so that thirsty termites will head to someone else's house for a drink. Water sources include:
- dripping overflow pipe from your air conditioner's outdoor unit
- dripping tap on the side of your house
- pools of water which did not drain away after the summer storms
Once you get rid of the food and water sources, your odds of having a termite issue diminish. However, if you do suspect termites are near, then you must call pest control immediately to arrange termite treatments.